How can you make a good impression when starting a career in power engineering?

1 Learn the basics

Before you dive into the complex and specialized aspects of power engineering, make sure you have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie this discipline. Review the basics of electricity, circuits, power systems, generation, transmission, distribution, and protection. Brush up on the relevant codes, standards, and regulations that apply to your work. Familiarize yourself with the common tools, equipment, and software that you will use in your tasks. Having a strong foundation will help you perform better, avoid mistakes, and communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients.

2 Ask questions

One of the best ways to learn and improve in any field is to ask questions. Don't be afraid to seek clarification, feedback, or guidance from your supervisors, mentors, or peers. Asking questions shows that you are curious, eager, and humble. It also helps you avoid misunderstandings, errors, or risks that could compromise your work quality or safety. However, be mindful of how and when you ask questions. Do some research or try to solve the problem yourself before asking for help. Don't interrupt or distract others when they are busy or focused. Be respectful and polite when asking questions and thank those who answer them.

3 Be proactive

Another way to make a good impression in power engineering is to be proactive. This means taking initiative, showing enthusiasm, and going beyond the minimum requirements. For example, you can volunteer for new or challenging assignments, suggest ideas or solutions, or offer to help others with their tasks. Being proactive demonstrates that you are motivated, confident, and reliable. It also helps you gain more experience, exposure, and recognition in your field. However, be careful not to overcommit or interfere with other people's work. Know your limits and priorities and communicate them clearly.

5 Follow ethics

Finally, one of the most important aspects of making a good impression in power engineering is to follow ethical standards and practices. Power engineering involves working with high-voltage systems, sensitive data, and public safety. Therefore, you need to act with integrity, honesty, and responsibility. You need to follow the codes of ethics and conduct of your profession and organization. You need to respect the confidentiality, privacy, and property of your clients and stakeholders. You need to report any errors, defects, or hazards that could affect your work or others. You need to avoid any conflicts of interest, fraud, or corruption. Following ethics shows that you are trustworthy, professional, and respectful.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?